Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee

A House of Lords committee that examines secondary legislation and draws important instruments to the House’s attention.

Category: Select committees

Abbreviation: SLSC

Also used as: secondary legislation scrutiny committee, SLSC, Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committees

Official website: Visit the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee

Source / explainer: Read the UK Parliament explainer on statutory instruments

Last reviewed: 3 August 2026

The Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee is a House of Lords committee that examines secondary legislation and related documents. It does not usually decide whether an instrument should pass, but it can draw instruments to the special attention of the House on grounds such as policy importance, public interest, or concerns about the explanatory material provided.

Related terms

Affirmative ProcedureA process requiring Parliament to approve a piece of delegated legislation before it can take effect.Delegated LegislationLaw made under powers granted by an Act, rather than made directly through a new Act itself.Negative ProcedureA process where delegated legislation becomes law unless Parliament objects within a set period.Statutory InstrumentA form of secondary legislation made under powers granted by an Act of Parliament.